67 Barracuda Manual Steering Question
The steering is extremely tight. What can happen to a steering gear box to make it binding?
It could be dry (no lube in it), or it could have seized bearings in it. Or either/both of the two adjustments could be set too tight. The adjustments have to be done correctly, and in the correct order as described
here. Could also be part of the steering linkage binding up.
If I need to replace, what is the difference between 16:1 and 24:1 with ease of steering ?
24:1 is the stock ratio. It's easy, but too damn slow; about 76.7 turns lock-to-lock (okeh, 5-3/4 turns. Still too much).
16:1 is the fast ratio available as an option from '65-'68. Just 3-1/2 turns lock-to-lock, but too damn stiff/difficult at slow speeds. Fine for certain kinds of competition driving, but out on regular roads it makes parking the car a pain in the nuts even with small, skinny tires and a lightweight aluminum 225 engine—a worse pain in the nuts (arms/shoulders) with bigger tires and a heavier engine. Efficiently saps all the fun out of driving the car.
20:1 is perfect. 4-1/2 turns lock-to-lock, not too hard to steer; a real joy to drive. They all should have come with this ratio, as the '60-'61 A-bodies did. 20:1 was not offered as original equipment when the '62-up cars were built, but available last I checked as an aftermarket worm assembly for the original Chrysler steering box, or as a complete rebuilt box from the specialists (Steer & Gear and/or Firm Feel).